For the Special Olympics national summer games, the Smart Games 2.1, scheduled from 1st to 15th July 2021, the Italian branch of Mitsubishi Electric renews its commitment to promoting a more inclusive society together with Special Olympics.

The association, which every year organises sporting events all over the world dedicated to young people and adults with intellectual disabilities, has decided for this year 2021 to organise in Italy a virtual version of the games, the Smart Games 2.1, in line with the health regulations still in force, which have prevented the annual summer games from being held in presence.

Fifteen days of competitions, inaugurated on the first of July with a ceremony that brought together representatives of the institutions, sports and entertainment in the setting of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, to give the official start to the games that will see 3816 athletes compete in 22 sport disciplines: from athletics to basketball, from football to karate and gymnastics. 

The last year and a half, characterised by long lockdown periods and severe restrictions on physical contact and meetings, has been even more difficult for many of these athletes and their families, as they have been deprived of the opportunity to get together and feel part of a group, a team, train and cultivate their passions. Getting back into the game during the Smart Games is a challenge, but also already a victory for all of them, which gives confidence for the future and demonstrates once again how sport can promote inclusion, support community development and encourage values such as tolerance, teamwork and resilience. 

The employees of the Italian branch of Mitsubishi Electric, who have actively contributed to the success of the competitions and supported the athletes since the beginning of the collaboration with Special Olympics in 2010, this year have made short cheering videos to encourage the participants and let them feel all their support, even from a distance. 

The competitions, which are structured through individual activities that can also be held outdoors in accordance with the relevant national and regional safety regulations, consist of exercises developed and adapted to the context by the national discipline technical staff. 

The competitions, together with the supporting videos recorded by the volunteers, are broadcast and commented live on the Special Olympics YouTube and Facebook channels.

Check the games schedule here.